Investigation: Understaffing Widespread in Bath Establishments
Staff Shortages Plague German Swimming Pools, Potential AI Solution Raises Legal Concerns
Berlin - A significant staff shortage is putting pressure on swimming pools across Germany, according to a recent survey by the Association of Municipal Enterprises. Thirty-eight percent of the polled indoor and outdoor pools failed to fill all their positions by the beginning of the month, with more than one in four pools reporting over 10% of their positions remaining vacant.
This staff shortage could potentially impact the operating hours of outdoor pools, which are beginning or have already opened for the season. Twelve percent of operators revealed that they were compelled to temporarily close on weekends last season due to staff shortages or overcrowding.
The Association's managing director, Ingbert Liebing, commented on the situation, stating, "The high demand for swimming pools in Germany is meeting a limited supply of lifeguards." Liebing also suggested that the trend could worsen due to demographic changes. He emphasized the importance of lifeguards in determining a pool's opening hours.
Some pools are experimenting with AI-assisted video surveillance in indoor pools to support lifeguards. However, the implementation of this technology in outdoor pools is more expensive and complex, requiring more cameras.
The potential use of AI in pools has sparked interest among operators, with 34% of surveyed operators planning to use AI for water surveillance within the next three years. Presently, such technology is seldom utilized, but camera-based systems can detect a drowning person on the pool floor and trigger an alarm.
The European Union's AI Act and Germany's AI laws are relevant to the deployment of AI in the workplace, including pool surveillance. If an AI system is deemed high-risk based on its impact on work-related relationships, it may trigger strict oversight. Operators must adhere to regulations regarding data protection, prohibitions on emotional inference, transparency, and civil liability in order to avoid potential challenges.
The evolving AI regulations urge pool operators and developers to balance innovation with fundamental rights protections, such as privacy and workplace dignity. Documentation and transparency are essential to demonstrate compliance and foster trust among staff and users. Operators must assess the legal implications and make informed decisions regarding the implementation of AI in their facilities.
The German Swimming Association's "Bäderatlas" lists over 6,000 indoor and outdoor pools nationwide, while the Association of Municipal Enterprises represents more than 1,500 municipal utilities and communal enterprises in various sectors.
- To address the staff shortage in Germany's swimming pools, some operators are exploring home-and-garden improvements, such as installing AI-assisted video surveillance in indoor pools as a potential aid for lifeguards.
- As the use of AI technology in pools becomes more prevalent, lifestyle changes in the workforce may influence the demand for such systems, with 34% of operators planning to implement AI for water surveillance in the next three years.
